Dunlop vs Kumho, two renowned tire brands that have earned their place in the market.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into these two giants, exploring their rich history and scrutinizing their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions.
We’ll also examine their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and uncover their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand truly reigns supreme.
Get ready for an exhilarating tire showdown!
Dunlop vs Kumho – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Kumho | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1960 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | South Korea, or in China or Vietmnam |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Doublestar (China) |
About the Brands
1. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
2. Kumho
Kumho Tire is a renowned tire brand founded in 1960 in South Korea. It is a subsidiary of the Chinese tire conglomerate Doublestar.
The company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the tire industry.
Over the years, Kumho has established itself as a global leader, providing high-quality tires for various vehicles.
Since its inception, Kumho has focused on research and development to create cutting-edge tire technologies.
They have continuously invested in improving performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.
The brand’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition and numerous awards.
Kumho’s tire range covers a wide spectrum of applications, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and racing vehicles.
They offer a diverse selection of tires known for their durability, traction, and excellent handling capabilities.
With a strong global presence, Kumho has built a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- High-performance cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Light trucks
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Kumho Ecsta PS91.
Based on my research, I rate the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 with a dry performance score of 4.4 out of 5.
It excels in dry conditions due to its reputation, exceptional grip and handling, short braking distances, optimal handling on wet and dry roads, and increased steering precision.
On the other hand, the Kumho Ecsta PS91 receives a dry performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It delivers enhanced grip, quick and responsive handling, high-speed durability, and track-inspired performance.
Ultimately, both tires offer similar levels of dry performance, making it a tie between them.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Kumho Solus TA71.
In my evaluation of wet performance, I rate the Dunlop Signature HP tire as a 4.4 out of 5.
This tire has garnered positive feedback for its excellent wet traction, all-season capabilities, and the advantageous combination of an asymmetric tread pattern and an enhanced all-season tread compound.
On the other hand, the Kumho Solus TA71 tire scores a 4.1 out of 5 for wet performance.
While it offers decent wet traction and features an asymmetric tread design with wide grooves, there are mixed reviews regarding sudden breakaway in wet conditions.
Therefore, the Dunlop Signature HP emerges as the winner in terms of wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Kumho WinterCraft WP71.
In my evaluation, after researching and analyzing the snow performance of the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 tires, I would rate the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 with a 4.6 out of 5.
The Dunlop tire showcases a reliable snow performance with its rubber compound and asymmetric tread design, ensuring confident traction in various winter conditions.
On the other hand, the Kumho WinterCraft WP71 offers a commendable 4.4 out of 5 rating.
While both tires present reliable snow performance, the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 edges slightly ahead in terms of traction and grip levels.
Thus, the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 emerges as the better choice for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Kumho | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | Replacement for unserviceable tires with more than 2/32″ tread remaining |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | Kumho tires are known for their long-lasting performance, with most of their tires lasting from 60,000 to 80,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Dunlop tires come with a mileage warranty of up to 60,000 miles, indicating their expected tread life.
On the other hand, Kumho tires offer a different approach, replacing unserviceable tires with over 2/32″ tread remaining.
In terms of average lifespan, Dunlop tires typically last between 15,000 and 50,000 miles.
In contrast, Kumho tires are renowned for their durability, with most models lasting from 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop vs Kumho.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Dunlop | Kumho | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $54 to $550 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | Solus TA11 goes from $54 – $158 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Road Venture MT71 goes from $222 – $550 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
Kumho
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ They can last a long time aka their tread life is amazing | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Good value for money | |
| ✔ They offer good performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Some of Kumho’s best tires are shown below:
- Ecsta PS31
- Solus TA71
- Road Venture AT51
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, and mileage warranty, the winner between Dunlop and Kumho emerges as Dunlop.
While both brands offer solid performance, Dunlop’s SP Sport Maxx RT2 and Signature HP tires excel in dry and wet conditions, respectively.
Additionally, the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 showcases better snow performance.
Although Kumho has a reputation for durability and good value, Dunlop’s overall performance and warranties make it the better pick.
